Best Online Nursing Programs in Montana (2026)

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Montana Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$120,596
Salary OutlookMontana offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMontana Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Montana offers a flexible path into nursing careers. Montana offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Montana students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Nursing Schools in Montana

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Montana.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Flathead Valley Community College

Kalispell, MT
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
54.5 BOC Score
Graduation rate 28%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $38,520
Avg net price $8,099/yr
Tuition
In‑state$4,912
Out‑of‑state$11,659
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 49

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
51.3 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 82%
Graduation rate 57%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $53,263
Avg net price $22,499/yr
Tuition
In‑state$8,460
Out‑of‑state$33,287
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 78%
  • Programs offered: 36

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Helena College University of Montana

Helena, MT
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
50.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 37%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $40,738
Avg net price $11,593/yr
Tuition
In‑state$4,146
Out‑of‑state$11,318
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Highlands College of Montana Tech

Butte, MT
  • 2 year
40.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 33%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $54,329
Avg net price $14,962/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 22

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Montana

Nursing professionals in Montana experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Montana.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Montana)
Registered Nurse$85,280
Licensed Practical Nurse$62,210
Nurse Anesthetist$277,380
Nurse Practitioner$137,210
Nursing Assistant$40,900

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Montana?

Choosing a program in Montana can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Montana offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Montana Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Montana accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Nursing pay in Montana compare to other states?

Montana offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Montana a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Montana?

The Montana Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Montana. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Nursing Programs by City in Montana

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Billings · Bozeman · Butte · Great Falls · Helena · Kalispell · Missoula


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